Sen. Tony Bisignano

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Iowa calculates workers' compensation benefits for injured workers. It requires including overtime and premium pay (like shift differentials) in the weekly earnings calculation - currently excluded under law - and adds an annual cost-of-living adjustment tied to Social Security’s disability benefit increase. The change directly affects hourly, shift, and overtime workers, as their benefits will now reflect higher average earnings. The annual adjustment applies specifically to permanent total disability and death benefits, not all compensation. This policy update modifies existing calculation methods without altering benefit eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SF 456) gives Iowa workers injured on the job more control over choosing their treating physician under workers' compensation. It allows employees to predesignate a primary care doctor (who has treated them before and is within 60 miles of work) to handle their injury, and requires employers to inform workers of this right. If employers fail to provide this notice, workers can choose any doctor at the employer’s expense. Disputes over doctor choices must be resolved by the workers’ compensation commissioner within 10-14 days, with options for phone or in-person hearings.

Maddy summarySF 417 requires both Medicaid and most private health insurance plans to cover annual low-dose CT lung cancer screenings for at-risk individuals aged 50 or older. It defines "at-risk" as people with a history of regular smoking or secondhand smoke exposure, a family member diagnosed with lung cancer, or occupational exposure to certain carcinogens like asbestos or radon. The bill mandates that insurers cannot impose copays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs for these screenings and requires Medicaid to provide coverage once a federal waiver is approved. This applies to most health insurance plans but excludes specialized coverages like accident-only or dental insurance.

Maddy summarySF 419 prohibits the construction or expansion of confinement feeding operation structures (including partially roofed facilities, manure storage, and egg washwater structures) in Iowa. It directly affects large livestock operations planning new or expanded facilities, while exempting small animal feeding operations and projects already underway before the bill's effective date. The bill amends Iowa's Animal Agriculture Compliance Act to update the definition of "confinement feeding operation" and establishes this moratorium as an immediate law upon enactment. It does not impact existing operations or those with pre-existing construction permits.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides overtime pay for Iowa state employees earning under $125,000 annually who are not covered by federal overtime rules (Fair Labor Standards Act). It requires these employees to receive 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for overtime hours worked. The bill mandates that salaries for such employees must be set on an hourly basis, not as an annual salary. This change directly affects non-exempt state workers in positions previously not eligible for overtime under state law.

Maddy summarySF 223 appropriates $2.5 million from Iowa's general fund for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This funding will be distributed proportionally to nonprofit resettlement agencies that partner with the U.S. Department of State to provide assistance to refugees in Iowa. HHS must distribute the funds within seven days of the bill's enactment to cover resettlement expenses like housing and support services. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on funding allocation without altering refugee policies or eligibility.

Maddy summarySF 202 requires Iowa's pharmacy board to adopt rules by October 31, 2025, ensuring people who are blind, visually impaired, or have print disabilities receive accessible prescription labels, bag tags, and medical guides at no extra cost. These materials must be provided in fully accessible formats (like audio) within the same timeframe as standard labels for other patients. The rules must align with federal accessibility guidelines from a 2016 government report and include public notice about available formats. The board must report progress, recommendations, and projected costs for implementing these changes to Iowa's governor and legislature by January 1, 2026.

Maddy summarySF 188 requires most health insurance plans in Iowa to cover contraceptive drugs, devices, and services without cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles), provided the plan covers other prescription drugs or services. It prohibits insurers from denying coverage, reducing benefits, or penalizing providers for offering contraceptive care, and defines "medical need" to allow doctors to recommend specific contraceptives without extra costs. The law applies to individual and group health plans (including those for public employees) issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, but excludes dental, vision, and short-term insurance. Insurers must clearly disclose contraceptive coverage details on their websites and via mail upon request.

Maddy summarySF 185 establishes a state-run retirement savings trust for Iowa workers, automatically enrolling employees (with a 5% default contribution rate) through payroll deductions unless they opt out. It applies to workers in Iowa who are subject to state wage withholding, with employers of 5+ employees required to facilitate payroll deductions but not to contribute. The trust operates under federal guidelines, prohibits employer ownership of contributions, and includes provisions for annual account reports, confidentiality of participant data, and explicit disclaimers that the state does not guarantee returns or cover losses.

Maddy summarySF 209 requires most health insurance plans in Iowa to cap out-of-pocket costs for prescription insulin at $25 per prescription (for up to a 31-day supply). It directly affects people with diabetes who have insurance covering insulin, limiting their cost-sharing for four types: rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting insulin. The bill sets this $25 maximum for plans issued or renewed after January 1, 2026, while excluding certain insurance types like Medicare supplements. Insurers may lower costs below $25 but cannot exceed this cap for covered insulin drugs.